I'm joined today by Eisner nominated comedian, podcaster, and comics writer Jordan Morris on the show today. Jordan has an hilarious new graphic novel coming out called Youth Group with First Second Books. I grew up in the church so reading this was a bit of a release for me having grown up in the Satanic Panic era in the 80s and early 90s. With an obvious analog to Buffy, demon hunting is often portrayed as dark and brooding or requiring tons and tons of magical weaponry and while there are weapons here, it’s less about that and more about the found family we acquire along the way of finding ourselves and solidifying, or not, what we believe in those tough transitional teenage years. It's a lighthearted approach to poking fun at the structures of religion while, in my mind, managing to embrace faith as still a positive and personal thing. I really enjoyed it, after all, who doesn't love to exorcise Smash Mouth. If you are interested in learning more, make sure to visit bit.ly/youthgroupbook or Jordan's website.

From the publisher

When cynical, gothy Kay lets her mom talk her into joining the youth group at their church, she's prepared for the dorky sing-alongs and the cheesy slogans about dodging temptation. What she isn't prepared for is walking in on the clean-cut youth group leaders, Meg and Cortland, in the middle of a real-deal exorcism.

Turns out these wholesome Christian teens are demon-hunting soldiers in a secret war that’s heating up fast, and even if Kay wanted to stay on the sidelines, she doesn’t have a choice – she’s a “Blight,” a human who demons can’t possess, and that makes her a target.

But Kay's in good hands with her new friends – for them, fighting literal demons is all in a Sunday’s work!

Our episode sponsors

After the Realm

Don't miss Eisner and Harvey award winning comics creator Michael Avon Oeming's newest crowdfunding project After The Realm. With over 300 pages of material and 22 new pages of story, this graphic novel collects issues 1-5 of this realm trotting dystopian fantasy adventure that follows young ranger Oona Lightfoot's travels and travails trying to find her best friend as the nine realms are torn asunder. 

Arkenforge

Play TTRPG games? Make sure to check out our partner Arkenforge. They have everything you need to make your TTRPG more fun and immersive, allowing you to build, play, and export animated maps including in person fog of war capability that let’s your players interact with maps as the adventure unfolds while you, the DM get the full picture. Use the discount code YETI5 to get $5 off your order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices